Breast reconstruction can be a very exciting time for many cancer patients because the procedure is generally performed once the patient is cancer-free! Virtually anyone who has undergone a mastectomy is a candidate for breast reconstruction. During your consultation with Dr. Natoli, you will be examined to determine which technique is best suited for your body type. All aspects of the procedure will be discussed and we will address your concerns and questions.

Breast reconstruction procedures are often partially covered under many insurance plans. We can assist you in filing claims with your insurance carrier. Detailed information about your specific plan will be discussed at the time of your initial consultation.

There are several breast reconstruction procedures that can help rebuild the breasts. The procedure will depend on candidacy requirements, your ultimate goals, and your unique body type. Breast reconstruction techniques include:

Tissue Expansion

This type of breast reconstruction involves expanding the tissue in the area by the insertion of a silicone balloon under the skin. Injections of saline solution cause the skin to grow and form a pocket for a breast implant. The expander is removed after the growth process is complete and an implant is then placed. The nipple and areola can be recreated at a later time, if needed.

Breast Reconstruction with Implants

Some patients have enough skin in the breast area to place an implant for breast reconstruction without the need of a tissue expander. The implant can be placed under the skin and the nipple and areola reconstructed at a later date.

Flap Surgery

Flap surgery is a method of breast reconstruction that takes living tissue carrying its own blood supply from a donor area of the body to the breast area. There are a variety of techniques with flap surgery including: TRAM Flap Reconstruction (skin, muscle, and fat taken from the lower abdomen and transferred to the breast area), DIEP Flap Reconstruction (skin, fat, and blood vessels are removed from the abdomen to reconstruct the breast), and Latissimus Flap Reconstruction (skin, muscle, and fat taken from the outer back and rotated forward to form the breast mound, followed by implant placement). Nipple and areolar reconstruction can also be performed at a later time.

Nipple Reconstruction

The final stage in completing the breast reconstruction process is that of creating the nipple areola. Numerous options have become available over the years that include both surgical and non-surgical methods including the tattooing without any nipple reconstruction at all. Dr. Natoli has extensive training, research and technical experience to help determine what method, if any, is right for you.

Preventative Mastectomies

Women with a family history of breast cancer, as well as those who have tested positive for the BRCA gene mutation, often face the question of whether to have a preventative mastectomy.

Breast reconstruction procedures can be performed by Dr. Natoli in a fully equipped surgery center that is certified by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc. (AAAASF). This distinction is only given to facilities that strive for the highest standard of care.

Patients should generally expect surgery to be a multi-stage process, depending on the breast reconstruction technique performed. At least two weeks of rest should be planned for after surgery, and normal daily routines can generally be resumed after four to six weeks. Any pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medication. Any residual scarring after surgery will generally fade with time.

As part of the oldest and longest running facility in North America that’s treated thousands of breast cancer patients, Dr. Natoli understands that breast reconstruction often takes some emotional adjustment. She can help connect you with other patients who can offer insight and encouragement before and after surgery.